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Derrick's church

Cornerstone Christian Church
Syracuse, New York 13203
(315) 424-5472

About Derrick
  • Experience: This is my first church. I did an internship for nine months before I was hired as the full time Associate Minister in February, 2005. I worked for a year and a half before becoming officially ordained in September, 2006.
  • Family: I have been married for 24 years to my wife Beth and we have an 16 year-old son, Shaun.
  • Best advice given to me about preaching: Know your congregation. Get personal with them through counseling, relationship building, discipling, etc. Find out what their needs are and where they’re at and what they’re dealing with and preach accordingly. This also helps when communicating to make sure you use terms and language that’s appropriate for your audience. This helps to make your sermons more practical and applicable in their everyday lives; ensuring the biggest impact that makes a difference in their spiritual growth.
  • Books that have had an impact: C.S. Lewis’ ’Mere Christianity’ is a must for anyone who is interested in Apologetics. Other classics such as ’My Utmost for His Highest’ and ’Pilgrim’s Progress’ are keepers. Neil Anderson’s ’Victory Over the Darkness’ is also good for those struggling with sin and their identity in Christ.
  • Hobbies: I enjoy reading and creative writing. I’ve written poems and short stories along with a self-published fictional novel. Check out my website: www.SuperTuper.com for more information. Summer is my favorite time of year so I enjoy those seasonal activities the most.
  • Something funny that happened while preaching: Not funny at the time but it was about 15 minutes before service started and it was my Sunday to preach. My wife called, frantic. She had used her remote car starter but locked the keys in the house. She was outside in the cold with my two-year-old son and seven-year-old niece. I raced home (15 minutes), took care of business and raced back. I had just minutes to spare before it was time for the sermon. Afterwards, some said it was my best sermon to date. Perhaps chaos produces better sermons!
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Newest Sermons

  • Control Freak

    Contributed on Aug 15, 2023
     | 2,413 views

    Have you ever known a controlling type person? What's at the heart of being a control freak? You may be thinking of someone who needs to hear this sermon but just because we may not be a 'control freak' that doesn't mean we don't have any control issues.

    CONTROL FREAK Have you ever known someone who could have this label attached to them? People who feel they have to control you, the situation; everything? There are people who like to micromanage things. There are people who get very upset if you don't take their advice. People who have a ...read more

  • Power, Love And Self-Discipline (Part Two Of Two)

    Contributed on Jul 31, 2023
     | 1,165 views

    2 Tim. 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Last week we saw how we can counter fear by operating in God's power. Today we'll see our need to overcome fear to operate in the spirit of love and self-discipline.

    POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE (part two) Recap: 2 Tim. 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." Timidity and fear are debilitating. Paul wanted Timothy to overcome being timid so he could fulfill his calling and operate ...read more

  • Power, Love And Self-Discipline (Part One Of Two)

    Contributed on Jul 31, 2023
     | 1,303 views

    At a men's retreat I noticed the verse on the back of the shirt of the guy sitting ahead of me. 2 Tim. 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." I pondered that and wondered how power, love and self-discipline counter fear.

    POWER, LOVE AND SELF-DISCIPLINE (part one) The back of Sergii's shirt at the Men's Retreat. 2 Tim. 1:7, "For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline." 1) No fear! 2 Tim. 1:5-7, "I have been reminded of your sincere ...read more

  • Stormy Seas

    Contributed on Apr 28, 2023
     | 2,693 views

    The bible is full of exciting stories. Some of them involve tumultuous weather on the open seas. In Acts 27, Paul was on a ship headed for Rome. They were hoping to make it to Crete and winter there. But their smooth sailing became incredibly rough.

    STORMY SEAS Acts 27:13-44 The bible is full of exciting stories. Some of them involve tumultuous weather on the open seas. We have the story of the violent storm that threatened the lives of the Apostles while Jesus was asleep. They woke him and Jesus quieted the storm. There's the story of ...read more

  • Return To Me

    Contributed on Aug 30, 2022
    based on 1 rating
     | 3,322 views

    There are times when we might stray from the Lord. Sometimes it lasts for a short period; sometimes it's for a longer period. When it happens God longs for our return and he never gives up on us.

    RETURN TO ME There are times when we might stray from the Lord. Sometimes it lasts for a short period; sometimes it's for a longer period. When it happens God longs for our return and never gives up on us. He'll go out of his way to try to bring us to our senses so we would return to him. ...read more

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Newest Sermon Series

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Newest Sermon Illustrations

  • Why Do We Say Merry Christmas But Happy Everything Else?

    Contributed on Dec 23, 2019
     | 3,101 views

    Why Do We Say “Merry Christmas” but “Happy” Everything Else? by, Meghan Jones. "The word "merry" isn't one we use very often during the months of January through November. But as soon as Thanksgiving passes, you're bound to start hearing and seeing it everywhere—on ...read more

  • Gabriel Hurles Was Enjoying His Sixth Birthday ...

    Contributed on Dec 21, 2012
     | 3,156 views

    Gabriel Hurles was enjoying his sixth birthday party. He was so focused on eating his birthday cake, that he hardly noticed the giant package in the corner of the room. When another child pointed out the large gift, Gabriel ran over and began to tear off the wrapping. It wasn’t a bicycle or any of ...read more

  • The Latched Of Sandals

    Contributed on Dec 14, 2012
     | 2,438 views

    Albert Barnes’ commentary for John 1:27: “The latchet of sandals was the string or thong by which they were fastened to the feet. To unloose them was the office of a servant, and John means, therefore, that he was unworthy to perform the lowest office for the Messiah. This was remarkable humility. ...read more

  • The Cave Dwellers” By Max Lucado. ...

    Contributed on Dec 4, 2012
     | 7,118 views

    “The Cave Dwellers” by Max Lucado. “Long ago, or maybe not so long ago, there was a tribe of people in a dark, cold cave. The cave dwellers would huddle together and cry against the chill. Loud and long they wailed. It was all they did. It was all they knew to do. The sounds in the cave were ...read more

  • The Wonderful Twists And Turns

    Contributed on Nov 12, 2012
    based on 2 ratings
     | 2,418 views

    THE WONDERFUL TWISTS AND TURNS Condolezza Rice said, "Life is full of surprises. Being open to unexpected turns in the road is an important part of success. If you try to plan every step, you may miss those wonderful twists and turns. Just find your ...read more